In this pre-recorded lecture (recorded Sunday, October 20, 2024), courtesy of the Opera League of Los Angeles and Hispanics for LA Opera, hear from film archivist Alejandra Espasande about the history of Spanish language film in Los Angeles and the making of Spanish Dracula. Then get a sneak peek of the music you'll hear from conductor Lina Gonzále…

In this episode, made possible by generous support from Gregory Annenberg Weingarten, GRoW @ Annenberg, music critic Gerardo Kleinburg sits down with two-time Oscar winning composer, instrumentalist, and producer Gustavo Santaolalla; discussing his approach to creativity and the process of scoring the rediscovered classic, Spanish Dracula. Don't mi…

In this episode, Vinicius Costa, member of the LA Opera Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program shares the synopsis for Romeo and Juliet, with annotated musical notes from musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Playing November 2 - 23, tickets are available now at LA Opera.orgAv LA Opera

In this episode, a part of our Music and Wellness series, music therapist Stacie Aamon Yeldell shares her perspective on the power of the voice, and guides us through a musical grounding exercise. Learn more about how LA Opera Connects is exploring the connections between music, wellness, and recovery at LAOpera.org/ArtsandHealth and be sure to sav…

In this episode Dr. Rebecca Corbett, USC's Director of Special Projects and Japanese Studies Librarian in the East Asian Library provides additional context for Madame Butterfly, through her research on Japanese tea practices. This conversation was recorded as part of Connects' professional development series, Opera for Educators.…

In this episode, Executive Director of the Asian Opera Alliance, Melody Chang sits down with Madame Butterfly cast members, Rodel Rosel and Yuntong Han discussing their experiences in Madame Butterfly, how their identities influence their performances, and the work being done by LA Opera in collaboration with AOA to mitigate potential harm. Tickets…

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano provides additional context for Madame Butterfly in this pre-recorded lecture a part of Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators. Tickets for Madame Butterfly are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and, of course, the music of Madame Butterfly by Puccini. Don't miss this unforgettable masterpiece, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, musicologist, Dr. Tiffany Kuo shares an annotated listening guide and synopsis for Puccini's Madame Butterfly. Playing September 21 - October 13, tickets are available now at LA Opera.orgAv LA Opera

In this episode, Dr. Nita Baxani, chair of the Early Childhood Music Department at the Colburn School shares her research on BambinO, an opera for babies - and why early music exposure is so important for childhood development. Learn more about LA Opera Connects touring production BambinO at LAOpera.org/BambinO.…

This upcoming season, LA Opera presents 5 exciting works, Madame Butterfly, Romeo and Juliet, Cosi fan tutte, Ainadamar and Rigoletto. Listen in as Richard Seaver Music Director Maestro James Conlon shares his insights into these operatic treasures in this pre-recorded conversation, a part of Opera for Educators. Tickets are available now at LAOper…

In this episode, Connects-affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo, sits down with Fire and Blue Sky librettist Imani Tolliver and composer Joel Thompson to discuss the creative process behind this biographical work in this pre-recorded pre-show conversation.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Connects-affiliated scholar Dr. Tiffany Kuo, sits down with Turandot cast member Julius Ahn and Stanford University professor Dr. Gordon H. Chang to contextualize Turandot in this pre-recorded post-show conversation.Av LA Opera

In this episode, LA Opera Legacy Ambassador, Kennedy-Rue McCullough, reads the synopsis for Turandot. Playing May 18-June 8, tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and, of course, the music of Turandot by Puccini. Don't miss this thrilling masterpiece, tickets are on sale now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this pre-recorded episode, Book of Mountains and Seas composer and librettist Huang Ruo and director and production designer Basil Twist join Beth Morrison for this post-performance conversation to discuss this adaptation of Chinese mythology, reshaped to match contemporary times.Av LA Opera

Shawna Lucey and Rachel Willis-Sorensen bring the story of La Traviata to life through extensive research and world-building, sharing glimpses of their unique rehearsal process and personal stories that shape their artistry with Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano.Don't miss this new to LA production, playing now through April 26. Tickets are available at L…

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon guides you through history of Verdi's La Traviata. Tickets to this new to LA production of La Traviata are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Sarah Saturnino, member of the LA Opera Young Artist Program, reads the synopsis for La Traviata. Playing April 6 through the 27. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

William Grant Still's Highway 1, USA is an opera about family. Listen in as affiliated scholar, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano and the grand-daughter of William Grant Still - Celeste Headlee, discuss who Still was at home - and how the powerful women in his life influenced the drama we see unfold on stage.…

Written in 1942 under the title A Southern Interlude, William Grant Still’s Highway 1, USA was not performed by a professional opera company until 2021. In this podcast, Dr. Tiffany Kuo explores the work’s production history and reception. Tickets to Highway 1, USA are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

Erica Petrocelli and Roderick Dixon are no strangers to the LA Opera stage. Listen as they join Senior Director of Artistic Planning Paul Hopper to explore their characters and favorite musical moments in Zemlinsky's The Dwarf, as well as what it means to truly see oneself. Don't miss this rarely performed one-act opera, playing now through March 1…

In this episode, Karen Mack, founder of LA Commons, reads the synopsis for Highway 1, USA and The Dwarf. Playing February 24-March 17, tickets to this exciting Double Bill are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and of course the music of Highway 1, USA by William Grant Still. Don't miss this rarely performed one-act opera featured in our upcoming Double Bill, tickets are on sale now at LA Opera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon walks us through the history, the plot and of course the music of The Dwarf by Alexander Zemlinsky. Don't miss this a rarely performed one-act opera featured in our upcoming Double Bill, tickets are on sale now at LA Opera.org.Av LA Opera

Looking forward to this season's Recovered Voices project, Dr. Tiffany Kuo shares the history of Traces, a staged vocal work by Luciano Berio, censored at the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Listen in as Dr. Kuo explores the intricacies of this controversial and important work.Tickets to LA Opera's Recovered Voices Double Feature are available…

In this special episode of Behind the Curtain, join LA Opera Connects' Vice President Tehvon Fowler-Chapman and LA Opera staff as they share their favorite songs and recordings to listen to during the holidays.Av LA Opera

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are the center of an otherworldly romance set in Mexico during Día de los Muertos. In this pre-performance talk, Dr. Tiffany Kuo guides you through Gabriela Lena Frank's stunning new opera; the plot, the history and of course the music. Tickets to El último sueño de Frida y Diego are available now at LAOpera.org.…

In this episode, CEO for La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, Leticia Rhi Buckley, reads the synopsis for El último sueño de Frida y Diego. Playing November 18-December 9, tickets are available now at LA Opera.orgAv LA Opera

Louis Lohraseb has been an opera fan for as long as he can remember, first becoming enamored with the art form after hearing a performance on tv. Now, he's back in Los Angeles, a former Young Artist here at LA Opera, conducting this season's The Barber of Seville. Listen in as Louis discusses his journey to conducting, the mentors who shaped his ca…

In this episode, Senior Director of Programs for LA Opera Connects, Dr. Andréa Fuentes, reads the synopsis for The Barber of Seville. Playing October 21-November 12, tickets to The Barber of Seville are available now at LA Opera.orgAv LA Opera

Hell for Don Giovanni is loneliness, according to director Kasper Holten, who portrays the titular character as a reactive nobleman, lost in excess and the labyrinth of his own mind.Dive deep into the psyche of Don Giovanni with Kasper Holten and Dr. Tiffany Kuo. Tickets for Don Giovanni are available now at LAOpera.org.…

Who is Don Giovanni? In this pre-performance talk, Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon guides you through Mozart's Dramma Giocoso; the plot, the history and of course the music. Tickets to Don Giovanni are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Vice President of LA Opera Connects, Tehvon Fowler-Chapman, reads the synopsis for Don Giovanni. Playing September 23-October 15, tickets to Don Giovanni are available now at LA Opera.orgAv LA Opera

Looking forward to this season's Recovered Voices Project, Chorus Director Jeremy Frank shares a few of his favorite 'Unsung Operas', works that have been underperformed or omitted from the standard repertoire. Listen in as Jeremy breaks down what makes each of these works so exciting and worth exploring. Tickets to LA Opera's 23/24 Season are avai…

This fall, LA Opera presents Gabriela Lena Frank’s El último sueño de Frida y Diego, a fantastical exploration of the turbulent relationship between artists Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. In this episode, Ms. Frank joins Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano to discuss how the composer’s multicultural heritage has influenced her work and inspired this innovati…

As an arts and health advocate, internationally acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming has brought global attention to the ways in which singing, dancing, painting and more can improve the quality of life for those affected by illness. Ahead of LA Opera’s June 9th Arts and Health Summit, hear Renée in conversation with Dr. Andréa Fuentes, Director of LA O…

Resident Director Eli Villanueva and Conductor Karen Hogle-Brown want to meet young performers where they are, and at Opera Camp, they do just that. Regardless of background or experience, Opera Camp students will gain confidence and grow as performing artists. Applications are open now, and scholarships are available. Sign up today at LAOpera.org/…

A maddening descent into jealousy and rage ends in murder. Join LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon as he explores the drama, the history and of course the music of Verdi's Otello. See Otello now through June 4, tickets are available at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Sarah Saturnino, member of the LA Opera Young Artist Program, reads the synopsis for Otello. See the opera hailed as the pinnacle of the Italian operatic repertoire, May 13 - June 4. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

Beth Morrison launched her production company to create space for diverse artists. Sixty world premieres later, Beth Morrison Projects' intimate and cutting-edge operas share universal stories. Listen as Beth Morrison and musicologist, Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano, dig deeper into why these works are so important for long-time opera lovers and those …

Listen as Dr. Michael Hackett discusses "Pelléas et Mélisande: From Play to Opera" in this recording from LA Opera Connects professional development series for teachers, Opera for Educators. Tickets to Debussy's only opera are available now at LAOpera.org.Av LA Opera

Dreamy, mystical, emotional. In this pre-performance talk, Maestro Conlon guides you through the atypical soundscapes and enigmatic plot of Claude Debussy’s only opera; Pelléas and Mélisande.Av LA Opera

In this episode, Anthony León, member of the LA Opera Young Artist Program, reads the synopsis for Pelléas and Mélisande. See Debussy's only opera, tickets are available now at LAOpera.orgAv LA Opera

Eli Villanueva and Natalie Iscovich share a passion for creating environments where students and community members feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively. This shared passion has brought them together as a dynamic duo of teaching artists, who both got their start with LA Opera Connects on the same production, almost 30 years apart. Eli a…

In this episode, talented soprano Janai Brugger discusses her introduction to opera, motherhood and how she brings Susanna to life in Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro. Don't miss Janai as the ever-resourceful bride of Figaro now through February 26. Tickets for The Marriage of Figaro are available at LAOpera.org.…

In this episode, LA Opera Connects Vice President Tehvon Fowler-Chapman sits down with internationally acclaimed tenor and LA Opera Artist in Residence Russell Thomas to discuss storytelling in opera and what he hopes to impart to the next generation of artists. Hear Russell Thomas in recital at the Colburn on Saturday February 25, tickets are avai…

In this episode, join LA Opera's Richard Seaver Music Director James Conlon as he delves into the history of French playwright Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais and his beloved character Figaro for this pre-recorded pre-talk. See Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro now through February 26. Tickets are available at LAOpera.org.…

In this episode, Anthony León, member of the LA Opera Young Artist Program, reads the synopsis for The Marriage of Figaro. See Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro, playing February 4-26. Tickets are available now at LAOpera.orgAv LA Opera

In this special episode of Behind the Curtain, join LA Opera Connects' Vice President Tehvon Fowler-Chapman and LA Opera staff as they share and dive into their favorite songs and recordings to listen to during the holidays.Av LA Opera